Deserving champs

When the Leduc Milleteers entered the PBL last season, nobody knew what to expect with the leagues first expansion into the Edmonton area. Steven and Trevor Pahl were the two representatives at the league meeting and from the get go were chomping at the bit to get their team uniformed and on the Leduc diamond. 

It was too easy for them early on in 2008, winning their first six games of the season. But it seemed then, the rest of the league was finding their own legs and pitching, thus Leduc would drop a couple but would hold their own the rest of the season easily clinching a play off spot. This year they have proven that they will be a contender for years to come. 

Nobody in Leduc needs to be reminded of their first play-off series against Bardo last year, but let’s face it, it was fresh in their minds going into the 2009 finals.

Steven Pahl and his crew approached the finals with a game plan. Game 1 Steven threw bullets and had Bardo gassing and guessing. Game 2 Solid defence, and a sacrafice bunt, gave Bardo the win.

Bardo’s game plan for game 3 was to get the lead first, something they struggled with all playoffs. Leduc was back with their Ace, Steven Pahl, and he wanted to continue his dominace against the Athletics. 

It was Leduc who scored early, one run in the first, 2 in the second. Bardo tied the game in the third, but Leduc’s steady bats and strategic bunts, would get them a two run lead heading into the 6th. Bardo would get 1 back in the seventh to get the Athletics within one, but Stephen Pahl closed the door to help his team with their first championship.

It was truly an excellent series to be part of. The fans that came out and watched the finals made several comments about the quality of ball they were treated to. Both teams made some memorable defensive plays that had you shaking your head, and in total I believe there were 5 sacrafice bunts for runs, 4 by Leduc. There was also great showmanship and respect shown from both teams. Congrats Leduc.

Posted on August 7, 2009 by Ray Lehman